Christie’s International Real Estate has entered the New South Wales market, appointing Scott Michaelson as CEO under a new 10-year licence agreement.
The global luxury brand’s NSW expansion targets a state that accounts for around two-thirds of Australia’s $5 million-plus property sales, according to the company.
Scott, co-founder of real estate services platform Smile Elite, brings more than 25 years of real estate investment experience to the role. Smile Elite recorded $850 million in sales in 2025.
“New South Wales has an incredible concentration of premium homes,” Scott said.
“While we’ve recently seen a slight softening of prices in the market’s upper echelon amid rising rates and global turmoil, we’re still seeing enduring demand among global buyers for premium homes in Australia.”
The leadership team includes Byron Selling as Head of Sales and Growth and Andrew Byrne as Head of Operations.
Twelve specialist agents have been appointed across key regions: Stuart Gan on the Central Coast; Raylean Ellison, Natalie Zulian and Donna Charlwood in the Eastern Beaches; Adrian Howe in the Northern Rivers; Mitchel Ross in Newcastle and Hunter; Brooklyn Zhu on the Upper North Shore; Craig and Kerrie Higbid with Dean Lewisman and Daniel Watt on the South Coast; and Norma Dominguez and Cielo Powditch in the Sutherland Shire.
Properties listed with Christie’s International Real Estate NSW will be syndicated to publications including The Wall Street Journal, Mansion Global, Barron’s and Country Life.
Scott said Australia’s quality of life and economic stability – particularly amid international conflicts – continues to attract global buyers.
“Given the significant rise of property prices over the past decade, we’ve seen more suburbs than ever move into prestige property territory,” he said.
Helena Moyas de Forton, managing director for EMEA and APAC at Christie’s International Real Estate, said the NSW launch was strategically important.
“New South Wales is the heartbeat of the Australian luxury property market and an important destination for us as we continue to grow our brand and network across Asia-Pacific,” Helena said.
Christie’s International Real Estate operates more than 450 offices with over 10,000 agents across more than 50 countries. The brand has recently expanded to Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Vietnam and New Zealand’s Waikato region, and already operates in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.